New Launches in India’s SUV and MPV Market
In recent times, the Indian market has seen the successful launch of various 7-seater SUVs and MPVs, including the Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio-N, and the new Toyota Innova Highcross. These utility vehicles have received an overwhelming response from buyers. Several new vehicles will be introduced in the Indian market in the coming years, and here is some information about them.
New Kia Carnival and Kia EV9
The new Kia Carnival, the latest fourth-generation model of the Kia KE4 Carnival premium MPV, was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. It is already available for purchase globally. The third-generation model was previously available in India but was later discontinued as Kia did not update it to meet the latest BS 6 phase 2 RDE standards. The upcoming model is expected to be launched at the beginning of 2024. This new MPV will be based on a completely new N3 platform and is expected to be powered by the familiar 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that will generate 200 BHP of power and 440 Nm of peak torque.
Kia’s flagship electric SUV EV9 was first launched in India at the 2023 Auto Expo. The Korean car manufacturer has confirmed the launch of EV9 in the Indian market next year, i.e., 2024, as part of the brand’s 2.0 strategy. The three-row SUV will be above the EV6 in the company’s portfolio. On the international level, the EV9 comes in several powertrain options, including RWD and AWD systems. The flagship electric SUV of Kia, using a 99.8 kWh battery pack, claims a range of 541 kilometers on a single charge according to WLTP.
New Toyota Fortuner and Corolla Cross 7-seater
Toyota has started working on a new generation Fortuner, which is expected to be launched in 2024-25. The new Fortuner SUV will be designed and developed on a completely new TNGA-F architecture, which is currently the basis for several global cars including the Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX500D, and the new Tacoma pickup. This platform is available with various body styles and engine options, including ICE and hybrid. The SUV will also have a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid setup. The hybrid setup is likely to improve mileage by 10 percent.
Toyota is also working on a new 7-seater SUV to compete with the Mahindra XUV700 and Jeep Meridian. The new model is believed to be based on the TNGA-C modular platform, which also underpins the Innova Highcross. The new model is likely to be a 7-seater version of the Corolla Cross SUV. The wheelbase of the Indian-spec version is expected to be 150 mm longer than the Corolla Cross (2,640 mm). The new Toyota 340D 7-seater SUV is likely to be offered with two powertrain options, a 2.0-litre petrol with strong hybrid technology, and a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be available.
Maruti Grand Vitara 7-seater, Nissan X-Trail, and Volkswagen Terron
Maruti Suzuki is allegedly working on a completely new 7-seater SUV that will be based on the Grand Vitara SUV. It will compete with the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700. It is expected to be launched sometime in 2024. It may be offered with 6 and 7 seats, with captain seats in the second row. Internally, it has been given the codename Y17, and it is likely to have a 1.5-litre K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine with light hybrid technology for power. Like the 5-seater SUV, it may come with an AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system.
Nissan has announced the launch of the X-Trail 3-row SUV in the Indian market in 2024. This premium SUV will compete with cars like the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner, and Volkswagen Tiguan. It is based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-C platform and is available in international markets with two engine options, a 2.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo petrol mild hybrid engine. It is likely to come with Nissan’s e-Power technology, which includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, available with a 2WD or AWD system. It provides power of 204 bhp with a torque of 330 Nm for the 2WD setup and power of 213 bhp with a torque of 500 Nm for the 4WD setup.
Volkswagen will also launch a three-row SUV, the Terron, in the Indian market in 2025. This model could arrive in India in early 2025 via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. It is based on the MQB-Evo platform and will be offered in both SUV and coupe body styles. The SUV will be offered with two engine options, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Both will benefit from 48V mild hybrid technology. The transmission will be controlled by a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, and it can come with both 2WD and AWD options.
- India’s SUV and MPV market has seen recent successful launches including the Mahindra XUV700 and the new Toyota Innova Highcross.
- The new Kia Carnival and Kia’s flagship electric SUV EV9 are set to be launched in 2024.
- Toyota is working on a new generation Fortuner expected to be launched in 2024-25, as well as a new 7-seater SUV to compete with the Mahindra XUV700.
- Maruti Suzuki is allegedly working on a new 7-seater SUV to compete with Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700.
- Nissan has announced the launch of the X-Trail 3-row SUV in India in 2024, and Volkswagen will also launch a three-row SUV, the Terron, in India in 2025.
